and john brennan and acting cia director michael morell remain on the short list. history shows most presidents get the nominees they want but in this political environment, there's no guarantee. >> it used to just be supreme court justices who inspire these sort of partisan free for alls. now it's bleeding down into a cabinet pick as well. >> reporter: the president has already made one choice for secretary of state, senator john kerry for that position. he's expected to have a smooth confirmation. i did talk to a senior administration official, asked him if the president had already settled on names for all of those positions but just not made them public. this official telling me, quote, no decision is final. wolf. >> >> dalothian in hawaii for us. let's dig deeper. the politics behind philly. our sister publication "time" magazine takes a closer look at that. michael crowley is joining us here in "the situation room." thanks for coming in. >> thanks, wolf. >> it's never completely easy getting confirmation. you nominate someone, getting them confirmed. it looks